FIFA president defends ‘astronomical’ 2026 World Cup ticket prices
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the record high ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup despite mounting criticism from fans’ groups and commentators. Supporters have branded the pricing “extortionate” and “shameful,” with some seats for the final reportedly costing several thousand dollars. The most expensive ticket for the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar was around 1,600 dollars at face value, but for the 2026 final in North America the top category is now about 11,000 dollars. Even group stage matches range from around 140 dollars up to 2,735 dollars, with prices rising sharply in the knockout rounds. Infantino argued that FIFA has to “apply market rates” because the tournament is taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where sports and entertainment pricing is already very high. He said demand has been “absolutely crazy,” with more than […]